Phenol treatment of pilonidal sinuses.

Pilonidal disease of the natal cleft is a common condition responsible for much morbidity. The results of phenol injection used in 67 patients treated in our Department of Surgery between 1986-1988 are reviewed. Our study shows that this procedure is an effective treatment. Phenol injection of pilonidal sinuses is a simple operation and produces results which are similar those achieved by surgical procedures but has the advantages of a shorter inpatient stay (1-3 days) with a prompt return to work (1-2 weeks).